The atmosphere was incredible with local people taking part to run for fitness and conservation of sea turtles together. The mini marathon 10.2K runners made a history once again by running across the iconic Phuket, Sarasin and Thao Thep Kasattri Bridge to Phang Nga province and back, it was the second year that we used this beautiful routing for the annual Mai Khao Marine Turtle Fun Run and Mini Marathon.

“Healthy people make for a healthy community,” I am delighted to be part of this amazing event, huge thanks also goes to the foundation owners the Minor group, sponsors, partners and hardworking volunteers, this event would not be possible without them” said, Mr. Oriol Montal, General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

The annual Turtle Fun Run and Mini Marathon – while also aiming to encourage in people a healthy lifestyle – is a collaborative effort by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa to raise funds and awareness of the conservation work done by the Phuket Marine Biological Center and its “The Injured Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program” to rescue, rehabilitate and release (recovered) injured turtles, dolphins, whales and dugongs.

Phuket’s endangered sea turtles – which use Mai Khao Beach as a nesting ground – are facing multiple threats, their numbers having severely depleted in recent years. Commercial fishing kills thousands of them every year, while many more die from eating or becoming trapped in plastic debris littering the ocean.